Bluesky Social’s Membership Is Exploding

Bluesky’s population has doubled over the last few weeks. The majority of new members represent a mass exodus from the place that used to have bluebirds chirping in every tree. That ex-chirper place has been referred to by many monikers, including “the bad place,” “the Nazi hangout,” “the worst rebrand in history,” “hellscape,” and others — including a few phrases I wouldn’t repeat within hearing range of my grandma.

Why Are People Leaving the ex-Chirpy Place?

Many prominent companies and personalities have deserted the platform since the US election on November 5, 2024 — including The Guardian, Don Lemon, Jamie Lee Curtis, and fans of mega-stars like Taylor Swift. Why? Because of what they refer to as far-right conspiracy theories, racism, toxic posts, and Elon Musk’s interference in United States politics.

Some people have lost all respect for Mr. Musk, and have referred to him with deprecatory terms that almost rival those used for Donald J. Trump.

But let’s set politics and conspiracy theories aside.

Consider ex-Twitter’s Changes to Blocking

It used to be that when you blocked someone at X, they couldn’t interact with you or see any of your posts. A recent change allows blocked users to view your public posts.

That can be a huge problem for a victim of harassment or stalking. Intrusive hoodlums can still interact with followers of the victim, and take screengrabs of the victim’s posts.

At Bluesky, a block is a block. Period.

And Consider X’s (Almost?) Nonexistent Moderation

X allows unlimited “free speech” — which has been criticized by many as allowing the rampant promotion of extremist views.

Bluesky has a moderation team who monitor posts that contravene community guidelines, which are meant to:

• empower user choice
• cultivate a welcoming environment
• evolve with feedback

Users are specifically warned not to “use Bluesky Social to break the law or cause harm to others.”

The page referred to above contains more than 1,500 words. Please read it if you wish more information.

Numerous Other Reasons Have Caused People to Desert X

We won’t discuss them here. If you are on X, you may have your own criticisms.

However, rather than criticize, let’s get to the reason for this post.

Starter packs.

What’s a Starter Pack? You Ask

Bluesky introduced starter packs in June of 2024.

They allow users to create lists of members who match specific criteria.

These packs have been generated for many interests, including [insert drumroll] writing.

And That Means …?

In addition to creating your own starter pack(s), you can check the offerings of others. The link in the previous sentence takes you to a page that lists all available packs.

You can arrange them in ascending or descending order, by creation date, number of uses, and size (number of users in the pack).

A search bar near the top of the page allows the input of criteria to help pinpoint a starter pack that matches distinct interest(s).

For example, you could search for any or all of the following:

• writers
• fiction writers
• nonfiction writers

Follow the people who look interesting to you.

Hint: Be sure to check profiles. If someone hasn’t posted anything for weeks, they might never get around to reciprocating. If you follow everyone in a starter pack, you might end up with a high percentage of users who don’t respond.

George Takei Likes Bluesky

The author of They Called Us Enemy says, “Put me in your starter pack! I like it here.”

If you enjoy George Takei’s wit, consider following him: https://bsky.app/profile/georgetakei.bsky.social.

P.S. George also has a website.

And Please Don’t Forget Me

I’m https://bsky.app/profile/kathyswriter.bsky.social.

What About You?

If you want more followers, please comment below with your Bluesky link within the next 90 days.

See preceding links for the format you should use — or go to your profile, and then copy & paste the link from your browser’s address bar.